Keto? Intermittent fasting? Counting Calories?
Which one will help you lose weight? Are you going through menopause or peri menopause and even post menopause. This is a must read in you want to shed the weight.
First you should have your hormones tested at least once to confirm you are going through menopause. This will give you a clear picture on what you should expect.
Once you know your hormone levels and confirm you are in peri menopause, you can make a more informative decision on what eating plan will work for you.
As a menopause specialist, I will only you give you the science behind each diet and how it will determine which one you should follow.
First, we’ll start with the Keto diet since it’s most popular now. It is known to shed the weight yes, but at what cost?
Research from the NCMP, North American Menopause Society has recently shown it is known to wreck havoc on our hormones as well as our gut health.
Carbohydrates are needed in the body for nutrients. The right carbs are more important than eliminating them.
So Keto is a NO, for women over 50
As you already realize your hormones are fluctuating and the last thing you need is to make them crazier.
Now let’s discuss intermittent fasting.
The research shows that this form of restricted calories is a way to not only shed pounds, but also improve gut health.
That being said, intermittent fasting can get a bit out of control. First, start with maybe not eating after 7 and eating your first meal after you’ve drank some water lemon water in the morning. Then have your coffee, then eat a meal that consists of protein.
That’s probably a 10-12 hour fast.
This form of fasting is backed by science, the restricted calories does work wonders for the body.
But does it work well for women over 50?
You should know that again this restricted eating has gotten way out of hand. I’ve heard 12-8 16-8 and some days less than 1000 calories?
Why? Why would anyone do that to lose weight? You will affect your cortisol levels and that’s a hormone. Our hormones are already all over the place.
That brings me to the best diet for women over 50
A diet is the old way of thinking, deprivation and restriction.
The new way is lifestyle and healthy eating. Focusing on real food, whole foods, getting in healthy fats, fiber and protein.
By now you know to avoid the obvious,
- white flour
- processed foods
- sugar
- limit alcohol
The good news is, we should eat more and eat to live. Food is medicine.
The foods you should increase:
- lean protein
- fiber leafy vegetables
- fruits
- vegetables
- legumes nuts and seeds
We women in midlife have earned certain freedoms. The freedom to work or retire, the freedom to live on your terms. It’s your time to make YOU a priority and that means your health. Restricting calories or certain foods doesn’t equal freedom. It’s so constricting don’t you think.
Instead eat more of the good food, eat organically, and eat seasonally.
That’s the best way to eat.
We discuss things like food and nutrition, menopause and finding love after 50 in our cafe.
I’d love you to join the THE ML CAFE
We have lots of fun conversations and share our tips and tricks to live our best midlife and beyond.
We also have 2 Free zoom calls a month where you get to meet other amazing women and be part of a great community. This month the calls are on Sept. 6th and Sept.15th
I hope to see you there.
If you are looking for more structure and routine in your fitness and health, please come check us out in the membership. You get 7 LIVE classes with me and a weekly workshop or group call. I keep you motivated and injury free. I am trained in the aging women’s body, so please take a class for FREE to see what I do.
Here is the monthly calendar for September if you are interested in seeing the events, workshops and fitness calendar.
https://skyblue-fish-650057.hostingersite.com/membership/
XO
Maria